Seven veterans anchor Roy-Hart lineup

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 1 April 2020 at 4:38 pm

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Leading the way for the Roy-Hart varsity baseball team will be this group of veterans. In front are Noah Stern, Reed Albee and Gavyn Boyle. In back are Mike Huntington, Noah Draper and Thomas Russo III. Missing from the photo is Hunter Babol.

A large group of seven returnees anchors the lineup for the Roy-Hart varsity baseball squad whose main challenge is to shore up a graduation depleted pitching staff.

Roy-Hart’s returning contingent includes seniors Reed Albee (infield/pitcher), Mike Huntington (infield/outfield) and Noah Draper (infield/outfield); juniors Noah Stern (catcher/infield) and Hunter Babol (outfield/pitcher) along with sophomore Gavyn Boyle (outfield/pitcher) and freshman Thomas Russo III (infield/pitcher/catcher).

Boyle earned first team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors last spring and Stern was a second team honoree.

Roy-Hart is also looking to sophomore Ryan Mettler (shortstop/second base/pitcher).

The Rams graduation losses included the 1-2 pitching duo of Charlie Bruning and Walker Samanka along with infielder/pitcher Charlie Brigham and outfielder/pitcher Lance Krieger. Bruning was a first team N-O All-League honoree while Samanka and Brigham were both Honorable Mention selections.

“That’s a large hole to fill so pitching will be by committee,” said new Rams Coach and Roy-Hart grad Jim Heideman. “It definitely helps to have that many kids back with experience.”

Roy-Hart finished in second place in the N-O standings at 9-3 last spring after winning the title each of the previous three years. The Rams went on to win the Section VI Class B2 title but lost to Medina in the Section VI Class B state qualifier.

Just like every other area team the Rams are awaiting schools, which are currently closed due to the coronavirus concern, to reopen so that the season schedule can begin.